Display binder



April 29, 1952 E. w. ERlcsoN 2,595,054

DISPLAY BINDER Filed March 19, 1948 'fSheets-Sheet 1 lleven/or i@ Elmer WE'rL'cson A:

26 naw?? April 29, 1952 E. w. ERlcsoN 2,595,064

DISPLAY BINDER Filed March 19, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 E. W. ERICSON DISPLAY BINDER pri 29, 1952 '5 Sheets-sheet s,

Filed March 19, 1948 @M f e lwefzon Lcsorz fo eg,

Patented Apr. 29, 1952 UNITED STATESr TENT OFFICE ThisV invention relates to improvements in sheet retaining and display devices, generally vcharacterized in the trade asdisplay-binders.

-Th'ej invention has for one of its objects the provision of a display-binder of compact, durable and operationally simplified form embodying sheet retaining and supporting means which can be selectively adiusted to more than one angular position for effecting the most advantageous, beneficial and convenient supporting and/or display of sheets attached thereto.

Another and equally important object of the invention is to provide a display-binder in which the bindingr means thereof, as well as sheets or other devices attached to such means, can be conveniently and positively moved into substantially parallelism to the binder cover panels; and the latter, along with said sheets or other devices, then juxtaposed or superimposed in book-like form for handling facility and contents protection.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a display-binder whose cover panels or sides are so -constructed as to be without surface break, whereby the same may be clearly and effectively imprinted or similarly treated or surface ornamented for advertising, identification or other purposes, and which serve, at times, as basal and supporting means for leaves or other sheet-like bodies attaching and displaying means.

Yet another object of the invention resides in the provision of a display-binder whose cover panels or sides are equipped with relatively movable means which may be simply and surely adjusted to one of a plurality of availabe selective and predetermined angular positions whereby to constitute an easel-like support for bodies or devices connected thereto,`and so, materially improve their mode of display or use.

Other objects of the invention will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

In order that the invention and its mode of operation may be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which it appertains, I have, in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description based thereupon, set out two embodiments of my invention.

- In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved display-binder when in its closed or book-like form.

Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the same in its display position.

Figure 3 is a similar View of the display-binder with the sheet supporting means or frame member in a different angular position from that shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a somewhat enlarged transverse section taken along the line 4-4 of Figure l, looking in the direction in which the arrOWS point.

03 Claims. {01..281-33) Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in section, taken along the line 5 5 of Figure 1, looking in thel direction in which the arrows point, and illustrating the connection of the sheet or device atachingmeans or rings.

Figure 6 is an end elevation of the displaybinder with the sheet supporting means or frame member in one of its angular displaying positions, and with said member shown in dotted lines, in a second angular displaying position.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a slightly modified form of my improved display binder in open position; a portfolio-like casing or housing being provided to the supporting frame, parts thereof being broken away and being shownin section to better illustrate the device.

Figure 8 is an enlarged transverse section through the device, when closed.

Figure 9 is an end elevation of the modified form of display binder With the frame member shown in full lines in one of its angular displaying position, and in dotted lines, in a second angular displaying position.

Figure 10 is an enlarged detail in transverse section taken on the line lil-I0 of Figure 7, looking in the direction in which the arrows point, and

Figure l1 is a perspective view'of the modified form of display binder in its closed or book-like form.

Referring in detail to the accompanying draw'- ings, my limproved binder, generally, comprises a cover l, a frame member 2, hinged at its normally lower and transverse edges to corresponding portions of the cover, leg members 3 hinged at their normally upper edges to corresponding inner edge portions of the frame member upper side, and a binding means 4, preferably of the known' ring type, xedly mounted, at opposite ends, to intermediate or nedial portions of the transverse and normally7 upper and lower sides of the frame member 2 substantially adiacent and parallel to the inner face of the center panel of the cover I, all as hereinafter more specically described.

The cover I consists of a pair of stiff side panels 5 and a stiff center panel 6. rlhe sides panels 5 are of greater Widths than the center ranel 6, but are of approximately th' same length. Said panels 5 and 6 are interconnected, in transversely aligned assembled relation, with the longitudinal sides of the panels 5 adjacent though somewhat spaced from and substantially parallel to the corresponding opposite sides of the panel 6, by means of a suitable covering fabric, etc., 'I applied to and over their opposite faces and secured thereto by adhesive or other means. Thus, the panels 5 and '6 Will be hingedly interconnected in book-like arrangement, as at 8, the former providing reffectual side covers and the latter, an effectual and 3..

At this point, particular attention is called to the fact that the surfaces or faces of the side panels 5 and the center panel 6 are each plane and free of breaks. In consequence, imprinting or other surface applied intelligence or ornamentation can be advantageously and effectually placed on any desired portions of such surfaces, and when done, will be displayed ina most satisfactory manner. These stated advantages and/ or results are in sharp contradistinction to those disadvantages and undesirable features incident to effecting similar surface applications to covers and backs whose surfaces are broken, as by complete disjointure or by hinged and similar joints occurring therein. Such disjointures or jointures, obviously, produce an uneven surf-ace and render the imprinting or other surface applications thereon highly unsatisfactory, and moreoften, impractical. Furthermore, inasmuch.. as the panels 5 and 6 are solid or of one piece throughout their respective areas,v greater strength and greater usage performance is assured.

The frame member 2 comprises a pair of complementally formed panelframes, each consisting of top and bottom at, stiff strips 9 and I9, and outer side and opposed fiat stiff strips II. The outer side strips II are, preferably, made of metal of suitable gauge or body and are riveted or otherwise -permanently secured, at I2, to adjacent outer end portions of their respective top and bottom strips 9 and I0. All of said strips are arranged in parallel planes, and hence, constitute substantially flat frames. Flat pieces or backs I3, each of widths substantially correspending to that of the center panel or back .6, are interposed between the adjacent and inner ends of the top and bottom strips 9 and I0 of the panel frames and are hingedly or swingably connected thereto, as at I4. Thus, said frame member 2, when in its open or co-planar display Iand setfup position, will be of rectangular formation. Its length substantially corresponds to that of the cover I, while its width, at such times, is less than that of said cover, as shown in Figures 2 Therefore, the frame member will be eifectually housed and protected by the cover I,

particularly, when the device is folded to its,

closed and book-like form, as shown in Figure 4.

The bottom strips I0 of the frame member 2 panel frames, and the adjacent piece I3, are positioned in closely spaced and parallel relation to the lower marginal portions of the cover panels 5 and 6 and are hingedly or swingably connected .Y

to the same, preferably, throughout their respective widths, as at I5. It will be thus seen and understood that the frame member, with unfolding or opening of the cover I, las shown in Figures 2 and 3, may be swung away therefrom into one of a plurality of different angular positions.

A medially arranged and longitudinally disposed stiif bed strip It is riveted or otherwise joined to adjacent portions o f the longitudinally .'.opposed lfiat back pieces vI3 and, as will be noted,

overlies and is parallel to the cover panel back 6. In addition to serving as an effectual connection and brace for the inner open sides of the panel frames of the frame member 2, it provides a mounting for the binding means 4, hereinafter p described.

In order that the frame member 2, when in its 'openior cci-planar display and set-up position (see Figures 2 and 3), may be rmly supported in an upwardly swung and angular position with relation to the co-extensive and co-planar panels 5 and 6 of the cover I, I provide leg or supporting panels I1, I8 and I9, hingedly connecting the same at and entirely along their upper transverse edges to adjacent edge portions of the panel frame top strips 9 and back piece I3, as at 20. Said panels are arranged in transversely aligned assembled relation with the panel I8 intermediately of the panelsv I'I and I9 and substantially parallel to the cover panels. The inner longitudinal sides of the panels I'I and I9 are swingably connected to adjacent sides of the panel I8, preferably, throughout their respective lengths, as at 2|., The points of hinging, at 2I, longitudinally align with the hinging, at I4, of the fiat, Ipieces. I3 to adjacent ends of the top and bottom strips 9 and I0 of the panel frames of the frame member 2. In consequence, with closing ,or inward swinging of the cover I panels 5 into vbook-like arrangement (see Figure 4), the panels I'I and 9 likewise are arranged in juxtaposedrelation- A'hingedly connected continuous break-joint 22 is effected transversely of and entirely throughout intermediate portions of the hingedly assembled leg panels IT, I8 and I9. Thereby, said assembled leg panels, when in (zo-extensive or substantially co-planar and open relation, may have their lower and free portions swung either inwardly or outwardly whereby to effect an easellike support forthe also open frame member 2. It will be noted, in this connection, that .the open frame member 2 can be .optionally supported in either one of two angular positions, as Shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the .accompanying drawings. When supported in the lesser inclined position, shown inFigure 2, actual supporting engagement between the leg panels I1, I8 and I9 and the frame member is effected adjacent the free and upper Vend of the latter, while when supported in the greater inclined position, shown in Figure 3. actual supporting engagement is effected between the intermediately Ahinged portions 22 of saidle panels and intermediate portions of the frame member outer side strips II and bed strip I6. In each of suchpositions, it is seen that the lower ends of ,said leg panels rest on adjacent portions o f the inner side of the cover I.

Because .of the multi-point contact between the leg panels I'I, I 8 and I9 and the frame panels of the frame member 2, as above described, a rm and solid support for the latter will be assured.

To limit the extent of movement of the free portions of the leg panels I'I', I8 and I9, during their adjustment into operative or supporting positions, a tthering connection 23 is made between the lower and free edge of the intermediate panel I8 and the back piece I3 hingedly interconnecting t-he panel frame lower side strips IIJ.

Binding means, hereinbefore generally identified by the numeral 4, are xedly mounted on and longitudinally of the bed strip I6 and comprise any approved type of sheet engaging and retaining rings 24 arranged in spa-ced relation on and along a base strip 25 which, in turn, is securely fastened to said bed strip I6. Thus, sheets 26, sheet-like bodies or other devices, may be hingedly or swingably mounted with relation to the panel frames of the frame member 2 and the side panels 5 of the cover I.

The cover I, the frame 2 and the leg panels I1, I8 and I9, may be and preferably are covered by a suitable material, as for example, a fabric, a sheet plastic, etc. By extending appropriate portions of said material, the hinged connections hereinbefore described, between the panels 5 and 6 of the cover I; the lower edges of the cover I KM f Y. lon-il panels and the panel frames of the frame member 2; the leg panels I'I, I8 and I 9, and said leg panels and the upper strips 9 and adjacent back piece I3 of the frame member 2, may be satisfactorily effected, according towell known trade practices.

'Ihe display-binder, when not in use, has its component parts arranged in book-like fashion, as illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings. To permit such arrangement, the longitudinally foldable frame member 2 is moved into flat and substantially parallel and yadjacent relation to the inner side of the open and substantially flat cover I. At such time, the leg panels Il, It and I8 will begin their flat and substantially parallel and ladjacent relation to the frame member 2 with the outer side portions of the panels II and IS flushly contacting with adjacent portions of the side strips I I of said frame member 2. With the identified parts in the explained relationship, the cover I and the frame member 2 are then folded longitudinally of themselves along their lines 4of hinged jointure 8, I and i8, causing the panels 5 of the cover I and the panel frames of the cover member 2 to be brought into juxtaposed or substantially overlying relation. The panel 6 of the cover I and the back pieces I3 of the frame member 2, obviously, constitute effectual backs for the thus effected book-like arrangement (see Figure l).

Leaves, sheets or other suitable devices 2S, of course, are swingably, though removably, connected to the binding means 4, particularly, they are engaged in the usual manner with the rings 24 of said binding means. Preferably, the size of the leaves, sheets or other devices connectedA of the frame member 2 in that angular positionA shown in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, the normally upper or free end portion of said frame member is engaged and moved upwardly or laway from the cover I, hence, effecting, hinged movement of the same, at I5, with relation to said cover. Thereupon, the now relatively flat and co-extended panels I'I, IB and I9 are permitted or caused to swing downwardly along their respective points of hinging, at 22, immediately following whichA the lower and free portions of said panels il, I3 and I9 are swung inwardly along their respective hinged points 22, so that said free portions are brought into flush and parallel engagement with adjacent portions of the panels 5 and B of the cover I. Thus, the normally upper portions of the panels I"I, I8 and I9 will provide effectual supporting legs to and for the now raised and normally upper end' portion of the frame member 2..

The extent of movement of the free and normally lower end portions of the panels I 7, I8 and I9, with relation to or away from the normally lower end of the cover I will be automatically effected by means of the flexible tethering connection 23, in the manner shown in Figure 2.

If it is desired to effect supported positioning of the frame member 2 in that inclined position shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, following an upward swinging of the normally upper and free portion of the frame member 2 to a position substantially corresponding to that shown in said Figure 3, the normally upper portions of the panels I'I, IS and I9 are caused to rest or bear upon adjacent portions of the frame member 2, in substantially parallel relation thereto, while the lower portions of said panels are swung outwardly along their respective hinging 22, to the illustrated inclined positions. Hinged movement of the normally lower portions of the panels I'I, iB and IS, with relation to the normally lower end of Vthe cover will be effectually limited by the tethering connection 23.

Return of the frame member 2 to its inoperative position. is effected by merely bringing the leg panels Il, I3 and le into fiat and substantially parallel relation to the frame member 2, whereupon said frame member and said leg panels may be then swung toward and into flush contact with and parallel relation to the inner side of the co-extended cover panels 5 and 6, after which, the device may be folded into the book-shape fashion or form, as shown in Figure 1.

At times, it is desirable that the frame member, hereinbefore generally identified by the reference numeral 2, shall be completely and securely encased or housed when it is in a closed or folded position, i. e., lwhen the panel frames thereof are arranged in juxtaposed overlying relation, as indicated in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings. By such encasing or housing, the panel frames of said frame member 2,` as well as the leaves, sheets or other devices 26 connected to its binding means 4, will be most effectually safeguarded against damage or injury.

For accomplishing the foregoing, the cover I is replaced by a portfolio-like body 2'I (see Figures '7 and l1) of flexible, partially exible or inflexible construction, as may be desired. The shape of this housing or cover body 21 may, of course, vary, though it is now thought p-referable that its shape shall generally conform to that of the frame member 2 (like the frame member 2 shown in Figure 2 of the drawings), while its size is some what greater than the size of said frame member. The housing or cover body 2 is longitudinally foldable, intermediately of its opposite ends, as at 28. Therefore, as and when desired, it can be folded or closed to the form shown in Figures 8 and 11, with the new also folded frame member 2 fully covered by the opposite and juxtaposed book-like sides of the same.

Relatively angularly disposed or positioned flanges 29, lips or their equivalents, are secured to or otherwise provided on the inner sides of the body 21 adjacent and about the top and bottom sides and opposite ends thereof. `Said flanges 29, as shown in Figure '7, have their respective inner ends terminated in opposed relation and in proximity to the opposite ends of the'longitudinally foldable intermediate portion 28 of the body 2l. Fastener elements 3l), of a suitable type of separable slide fastener, are connected to and arranged about the free vmarginal or substantially marginal portions of the flanges 2S, and a companionate slide fastener element 3l is engaged therewith. Thus, when the body 27' and the frame member 2 are arranged in theaforesaid folded or closed form, the slide fastener element 3| can be drawn over and about the now juxtaposed fastener elements 39, thereby interconnecting the same throughout their lengths, and so,

,-'forming a'closure wall-entirely about the folded panel frames ofthe frame member 2. -To open the wall and provide access to the interior of the portfolio-like body 2l' and said frame member 2',

the slide fastener element need only be drawn l o1' retracted to its initial or starting position with -relation to the fastener elements 3B.

`nlember is detachably connected, at its normally lower side, by fastening devices 32 to the free ends of strap hinges t3, whose remaining ends are suitably secured to the inner side and normally lower portion or" the body 2l. It will, therefore, be seen that the normally lower side of the frame'member is hinged to the body 2l; hence, that it may be swung relatively upwardly or outwardly therefrom. Following such swinging, the frame member will be supported in a pre-selected angular position with relation to the body 21 by the-supporting panels iI-i S-I 9.

Should a user of the improved display device so elect, he may conveniently and quickly remove the frame member 2 from the body 2l by detachingr the latter from the strap hinges 33 through the fastening devices 32.

The body 2l may, if desired, be provided with internal pockets 34, or their equivalents, for use in receiving and retaining Various articles or matters.

I claim:

l. A display binder, including a `cover consisting of a pair of side panels having their inner longitudinal portions swingably connected, endwise opposed and hingedly connected stiff bottom strips hingedly connected along their lower sides to lower side portions of said side panels, complemental stii outer side strips xed at their lower ends to the outer ends of each of said endwise opposed bottom strips and disposed at substantially right angles thereto inwardly of the outer and free sides ol said side panels, endwise opposed and hingedly connected stili top strips iixedly connected at their cuter ends to the upper and free-ends of the outer side strips and disposed at substantially right angles thereto inwardly of the upper sides of said side panels, and a-substantially flat and stiff leg panel hinged at its upper end to the endwise opposed top strips, said leg panel being foldable longitudinally of itself adjacent the swingably connected inner portions of the side panels, and the width thereof being greater than the distance between the stiff `outer side strips whereby the same, in one position, lies flatly adjacent and over said outer side strips.

2. A display binder, including a cover consisting of a pair of side panels having their inner longitudinal portions swingably connected, endwise opposedvstiil' bottom strips hingedly connected at Ytheir lower sides to the lower side portions of said side panels, complemental stili` outer side strips fixed at their lower ends to the outer ends of each of said endwise opposed bottom strips and-disposed at substantially right angles thereto inwardly of the outer and free sides of said side panels, endwise opposed stiff top strips iixedly connected at their outer ends to the upper and free ends of the stiff outer side strips and disposed at substantially right angles thereto inwardly of the upper sides of said side panels, substantially stiff ilat pieces hinged at their opposite sides to and between the inner ends of said endwise opposed bottom and top strips, a substantially flat leg panel transversely divided into swingably interconnected sections hinged at its upper end to the opposed top strips, the width of said leg panel being greater than the distance between the stiff outer side strips whereby the same, in one position, lies flatly adjacent and over said outer side strips, said leg member being foldable longitudinally oi itself adjacent the swingably connected inner longitudinal portions of4 said side panels, and means connected to one of said iiat pieces and the free end of said leg member limiting movement of the lat-ter with relation to the former.

3. A display binder, including a pair of side panels having their inner longitudinal portions swingably connected, endwise opposed and hingedly connected stiff bottom strips hinged at their lower sides to lower side portions of said side panels, complemental stiff outer side strips fixed at their lower ends to the outer ends of each of said endwise opposed bottom strips and disposed at substantially right angles thereto inwardly of the outer and free sides of the side panels, endwise opposed and hingedly connected stiff top strips iixedly connected at their vouter vends to the upper and free ends of the stiff outer side strips disposed inwardly of the upper sides of said side panels, a substantially flat and stiff leg panel hinged at its upper end to the endwise opposed top strips and normally lyinT flatly adjacent to said side, bottom and top strips, said leg panel being oldable longitudinally of itself adjacent the swingably connected inner longitudinal portions of the side panels and being divided transversely into sections, said sections being hingedly connected for swinging in either of two directions, the uppermost of the leg panel sections being swingable, at times, into a supporting position at substantially right angles to and between the stiff side, bottom and top strips and the opened side panels, and at other times, arrangeable adjacent and substantially parallel to portionsI of the stiff side and top strips, the lowermost and remaining leg panel section swung outwardly therefrom and at an angle thereto into supporting relation to said stiff side, bottom and top strips between the same and said side panels.

ELMER, W. ERICSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Naine Date 722,010 Glass Mar. 3,1903 2,190,090 Tharp Feb. 13, 1940 2,211,809 Brewer Aug. 20, 1940 2,224,539 Feeley Dec, 10, 1940 2,258,273 Barrett Oct; 7, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 458,085 Germany Mar. 31,A 1928 

